Local businesses collect hair to assist in oil cleanup

A local effort is underway to help aid in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill cleanup.

Hair clippings are being collected by local businesses, which are then turned into mats and booms to help soak up and contain the oil.

“I got the idea from some friends on Facebook ... I didn’t believe it myself at first, but it’s incredible,” said Diane Osborne.

Osborne, a Petoskey native who has lived in California for the last 15 years, is currently back visiting family in the area. When she learned about the organization, Matter of Trust, she knew she had to get involved.

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The process of using hair and fur to assist in oil spill cleanups was discovered by Phil McCroy, an Alabama hair stylist, while he was watching coverage of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill and simultaneously shampooing an oily head of hair.

Hair can soak up to six times its weight in oil, which makes it act as a natural sponge.

Matter of Trust, an organization coordinating the effort to collect hair clippings, which are then turned into mats to soak up oil along beaches, or booms, are believed to be able to help contain the spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

It is believed that more than four million gallons of oil have spilled into the Gulf of Mexico since the April 20 explosion, and more than 210,000 gallons of oil continue to gush into the gulf each day.

After hearing about the effort, Osborne said she began calling salons to see if they were taking part in the drive to collect hair clippings.

“I found some salons were already taking part, which is great, and a few others said they would start to save clippings as well,” Osborne said.

Tracy Sneddon, owner of Tracy Lee Salon in Petoskey, found out about the program through one of her employees.

“We’re going to keep collecting hair for awhile, as long as they need us to. It’s great being able to help from hundreds of miles away,” Sneddon said.

Trillium Salon, also in Petoskey, got involved in the collection right away.

“We are trying to use whatever we can to enhance the earth around us,” said Trillium Owner, Ruth Krauss.

Matter of Trust also encourages pet groomers to send in fur clippings.

Matter of Trust reports that more than 400,000 pounds of human hair and animal fur has been donated thus far from salons and groomers nationwide. Those collecting the clippings are given an assigned address where they should send the hair and fur.

The only cost to salons and groomers who want to get involved is postage.

“Besides educating those who can help, I am stepping up to say that I will help pay for postage if needed,” Osborne explained. “This is just a really crucial time for people to step up and do something. It’s important that people understand there can be a natural way to help with this type of disaster.”

For more information about Matter of Trust, or to find out how you can get involved, visit www.matteroftrust.org.

If your salon or grooming business would like help to cover postage costs, contact Diane Osborne at dianeosborne@riseup.net.